Hodges was apparently aware of this effect, leaving the Ellington orchestra in the 1950's, to be replaced by the stellar alto man, Willie Smith, formerly the lead alto star of the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra. This situation somehow benefitted neither Ellington or Hodges, with the Ellington orchestra losing a certain luster despite Mr. Smith's excellence, and with major stardom just beyond Mr. Hodges' reach.
Luckily for the listener the recordings Mr. Hodges left behind as a leader, while arguably eluding stardom for the artist at the time, are nonpareil examples of relaxed swing, subtle inflection and perfect phrasing, peerless tone and seemingly effortless technique. More luck for the listener, Mr. Hodges later rejoined the Ellington fold, returning a signature sound to the orchestra's unique palette for many years after.
It has been reported that the Ellington orchestra worked nearly 365 days a year. When asked about this grueling schedule Mr. Ellington said something to the effect that he would settle for nothing less than the finest artists for his orchestra. What with the necessarily high salaries accorded an orchestra of virtuosos, the band had to work often in order to survive. Certainly no one in the Ellington orchestra more exemplified Mr. Ellington's highest standards than Johhny Hodges.
Moonglow
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
I still hear you sayin', "Dear one, hold me fast"
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
We seemed to float right through the air
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
It must have been moonglow, way up in the blue
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
I still hear you sayin', "Sweet child, hold me fast"
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
We seemed to float right through the air
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
And now when there's moonglow, way up in the blue
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
The lyrics to Johnny Hodges & His Orchestra's song "Moon Glow" describe a magical and enchanting encounter. The singer believes that it was the presence of "moonglow," a poetic representation of the moon's shimmering light, that guided them to their beloved. The idea of moonglow symbolizes fate or destiny, suggesting that it was meant to be for the singer to find their significant other. The lyrics convey a sense of wonder and awe as the singer recalls the moment when they first met and the profound connection they felt.
The song also expresses a deep sense of longing and desire to hold onto this special connection. The singer remembers their partner saying, "Dear one, hold me fast," and they continue to pray for the relationship to endure. The imagery of floating through the air and the presence of heavenly songs adds to the ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere portrayed in the lyrics. The singer emphasizes that whenever they see moonglow again in the sky, they will always remember that it was responsible for bringing their loved one into their life.
Overall, "Moon Glow" captures the timeless and romantic essence of a fated encounter that leads to a lifelong connection. The lyrics evoke a sense of wonder, love, and the ineffable power of the moon's glow in bringing two people together.
Line by Line Meaning
It must have been moonglow, way up in the blue
The presence of moonglow in the night sky, shining high above, guided me towards you.
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
I believe it was the enchanting moonglow that directed me to find you, bringing us together.
I still hear you sayin', "Dear one, hold me fast"
I can still hear your loving voice, whispering to me to embrace you tightly.
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
Continuously, I fervently pray to the Mighty One, asking for our time together to endure.
We seemed to float right through the air
Together, we experienced a sense of weightlessness, as if we were gliding effortlessly.
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
Melodies from the heavens seemed to surround us, providing an ethereal atmosphere.
And now when there's moonglow, way up in the blue
Even now, when moonglow illuminates the sky above, it serves as a reminder of our connection.
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
I will forever cherish the fact that moonglow played a significant role in bringing you into my life.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Eddie Delange, Irving Mills, Will Hudson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jourwalis-8875
Duke Ellington is always Duke Ellington!
@benzo4029
The chic holding the record label / moon is sheer brilliance. Million dollar idea. You sir are a creative artist! Duke was a jazz legacy! Nobody like him! Thanks
@brucemercer8458
It doesn't get any better than this. Really wonderful photo background as well. Thank you so much.
@sambrinson6153
This music defines the times of the 20s and 30s when Ellington and his band ruled the jazz roost. They alone carried the jazz day for nightclub and ballroom dance entertainment at the time. Everything else in the jazz field was envy and copy. select band members gave the orchestrations and compositions of Ellington their unique interpretations. This in-turn placed Ellington at the top of the Jazz music playing poll, not to mention Ellington's unique handling of chordal structures, something only a few have been able to emulate to this day. When I was a young boy, I often heard of the many musicians that had abandoned their jazz music playing aspirations after hearing Ellington and his orchestra, Benny Goodman and his orchestra, Louis Armstrong and his hot 5, or solists like Bix Beiderbeck, Charlie Parker, or Lester Young play.
@jimthompson606
Thanks for the beautiful graphics to match the beautiful song.
@LouisePowles
Can't beat this music. Love it. x
@juliapollitt8291
Awesome
@edwardwilson7858
The intro here comprises the main theme of the 1939 "Serenade to Sweden'. A case of Ellington borrowing from himself!
@fermancriticonostalgio7743
A NICE WORK FOR BARNEY
@beaglybeagle
Yes, wonderful video. Lovely and evocative!